Health Protection Agency (HPA) has warned that tobacco use increases the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Statistics from HPA show that one out of every four individuals in the population uses tobacco. The HPA stated that smoking is the primary cause of preventable deaths, with tobacco being a leading contributor to cancer. They further emphasise that quitting smoking can greatly decrease the risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and lung diseases.
The statistics reveal that 20% of individuals between the ages of 15 and 29 are smokers, while the percentage rises to 29% for those aged 30-44, and 23% for individuals aged 45-66. HPA expressed concern over the widespread use of tobacco across different age groups in the Maldives. They underscored the significance of educating people about the health hazards associated with smoking and promoting healthy behaviors.
Moreover, HPA stated that smoking is known to cause serious health issues due to the harmful chemicals in cigarettes and emphasised that smoking can have detrimental effects on male fertility, including a higher risk of birth defects and miscarriage. The agency further highlighted that quitting smoking can safeguard reproductive health.
Furthermore, HPA stated that secondhand smoke increases the risk of respiratory infections, asthma, and slowed lung growth in children. It noted that creating smoke-free environments is crucial to protect their health, as tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, and there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. It also stated that e-cigarettes and shishas are not a safe alternative to other tobacco products, as they contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals that can cause health problems.